the sweetest thing...

Gizmo

Oldest grand daughter (17)  found this little kitten at a gas station last week.  My daughter sent me this pic of them both napping. 

More pics...

the sweetest thing

I think he's found a home... what do you think?

Other news on the horizon:

First - Thanks to all of you who shared my joy with the publishing of my book, "Time After Time"!  It's a good feeling to scratch something off my very small bucket list. But at the ripe old age of 74, time was running short. 

On that same 'time was/is running short' theme... I will mention here also that I've been very concerned that my 'radiation' cough has gotten worse lately. Now I cough so much in the morning and sometimes after I eat or drink - that I choke and my eyes water and nose runs. Also I cough up very thick mucus. And when this happens, my nasal airway closes up and I have to breathe through my mouth. The episode doesn't last too long, but it's worrisome (and I hope I didn't gross you out too much). 

I know some of the reasons this could be happening. And of course one of them is that my Breast Cancer could have metastasized to my lungs.  This was my worst fear.  However, this worry was put aside yesterday when I went for my annual Oncololgist's appointment. He both listened to my lungs and x-rayed them. Said that they were clear - no problem there. Thank goodness! What a relief!

However, he mentioned that other things that could cause these symptoms were reflux, asthma, and aspiration... and wants me to have a breathing/swallowing test run in the near future. I will do this, but probably not until September. We hope to visit our son in Hawaii in a few weeks... and that's the priority on my agenda now. 

If anyone out there is even halfway familiar with these symptoms (which I have put off as due to 'old age' for a long time), I would appreciate your input. 

But now I have another reason to celebrate besides the book being published! My worst fear hasn't come to pass.

Hugs,

Rian

disquieting news...

I received a text from a family member recently telling me her son has been diagnosed with cancer. It was caught early and hopefully has not spread. They will know more when they do surgery next week. 

I hate this. Having had my father, sister, and brother die of cancer (and having/had it myself), I know what she (and he) are going through... all that fear and tears, surgeries, chemo, radiation, etc.  Not that long ago my son's father-in-law was diagnosed and passed away within a year.  My good friend's husband  and son both have Melanoma. Probably all of you know someone who has gone through this or perhaps even yourself.  The real issue faced (besides the cancer itself) is fear... and despite the fact that it is a legitimate fear, it has to be faced down and overcome. Fear will destroy you.

I thank God every day that my children and grandchildren are healthy... knowing that at any time this could change... especially as they too age. My children are all in their 40's. My sister was diagnosed when she was 49, died at 51. Brother was diagnosed at 59, died at 59. I was diagnosed at 55... and so far am a 'survivor'. Why? Don't know... guess it was found early enough to stop from spreading?? I still go for my annual check... and after feel that I'm 'good to go' for at least another year.

My mother used to say that children were not supposed to die before their parents. But she had to go through this with 2 of hers (my siblings)... and I wondered at her strength.  Mom never had cancer. But she did develop Alzheimer's in her later years. I have to say that I'm not sure which is worse. 

Anyway, I didn't intend this post to be maudlin. Just needed to get my feelings out.  One little text from a family member brought all these emotions to the surface. 

Please pray for this young man. He lost his father to a heart attack just about 2 years ago... and now this. He needs others' thoughts and prayers. I am a big believer that thoughts and prayers are powerful.

Thanks for reading.